An American Tragedy

He reached for success—but found only scandal, guilt, and ruin.

An American Tragedy is Theodore Dreiser's searing portrayal of one man's rise and fall in early 20th-century America. Inspired by true events, the novel tells the story of Clyde Griffiths, a poor but ambitious young man who is driven by desire—desire for wealth, status, and love. When a romantic entanglement threatens his future, Clyde makes a desperate choice that sets in motion a chilling and unforgettable chain of events.

Dreiser's masterpiece examines the crushing weight of social expectations, the hypocrisy of class privilege, and the fragile line between ambition and destruction. Through unflinching realism and psychological depth, An American Tragedy delivers a powerful indictment of the American Dream.

Why this novel is essential reading:

Based on the real-life Gillette murder case of 1906

A pioneering work of American literary naturalism

A profound exploration of class, morality, and justice

Still hauntingly relevant to modern readers

Perfect for fans of:

Tragic character-driven novels

Realistic courtroom and psychological drama

Classic American literature

Fiction that critiques society and ambition

What readers are saying:

"A timeless tragedy that forces readers to question the price of success." – Modern Classics Review

"Dreiser's realism is brutal, raw, and utterly compelling." – Verified Amazon Reviewer

Click «Buy Now» to experience the novel that shocked a nation and redefined American storytelling.